Aventurine
About
Aventurine is a variety of quartz characterised by its shimmering appearance, caused by tiny inclusions of mica, hematite, or other reflective minerals. Found in green, orange, blue, and more, green aventurine is the most popular and is often associated with abundance and luck. Major sources include India, Brazil, and Russia.
Birthstones & Anniversaries
Aventurine is not a traditional birthstone but is associated with prosperity, emotional healing, and the zodiac sign Aries.
Crystal Healing Energy
The overarching theme of aventurine is abundance and emotional balance. Aventurine is believed to bring luck, especially in financial and career pursuits. It is also thought to calm the mind, enhance creativity, and encourage perseverance, making it a versatile stone for emotional healing and personal growth.
Facts
Aventurescence: Aventurine’s signature shimmering effect, known as aventurescence, is caused by the reflection of light off tiny inclusions of reflective minerals.
Green Colouration: The green hue in aventurine comes from fuchsite, a chromium-rich mica.
Historical Use: Aventurine has been used in jewellery and carvings for centuries, often associated with abundance and good fortune.
Major Sources: India produces much of the world's green aventurine, while orange and blue varieties are often sourced from Brazil and Russia.
Durable for Everyday Use: With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, aventurine is suitable for jewellery and decorative items.
Science
Mineral: Quartz
Crystal System: Trigonal
Chemistry: SiO₂ with inclusions of mica, hematite, or fuchsite
Colour: Green, orange, blue, brown, yellow, and more
Refractive Index: 1.544 to 1.553
Specific Gravity: 2.64 to 2.69
Mohs Hardness: 6.5 to 7
TreatmentsAventurine is generally untreated, though some varieties may be dyed to enhance their colour.
SyntheticsNo known synthetics.
ImitationsGoldstone and dyed quartz are common imitations of aventurine. These imitations may lack the natural shimmer and subtle colour variations of natural aventurine.
similar materialsJadeite: Often mistaken for green aventurine, though jadeite is typically more opaque and harder.
Green Quartz: A plain variety of green quartz without the mica inclusions that create aventurine's sparkle.